More appropriately, Richard Ravitch should have taken office at the Second Avenue Delicatessen, for several reasons.

First, in appointing him, Governor Paterson was clearly outflanken his Republican foes. Second, becoming lieutenant governor is not exactly chopped liver. Third, Ravitch, an old pol, knows how to cut the mustard. Fourth, since the nomination immediately faced a court challenge, the judge could have been been bought off, Albany style, by being invited to share an appetizer of lox et veritas.